Department Overview

Organizational Structure

Have you ever wondered about the organizational structure of the Ashland Police Department? Now you can click here to view the leadership levels of our agency.

Patrol Operations Division

The Patrol Division has the primary responsibility to deliver service to the citizens of Ashland through response to calls for service and proactive initiatives. The Patrol Division provides a dual function of reaction to criminal incidents and prevention of events. Members of the Patrol Division respond to calls for service from citizens and provide preventive patrol through their presence in an area.

Included in the Patrol Division are several specialized units:

The Traffic Safety Unit is charged with the control of traffic movement, enforcement of traffic laws, and the reduction of traffic collisions through directed enforcement. To accomplish this task officers are equipped with radar, lidar, and other speed measurement devices.

The Bicycle Unit is utilized to patrol the Town as part of their routine patrol in addition to special assignments such as Holiday patrols and special events. The division also maintains a color guard detachment which is used during ceremonial events throughout the year.

The Patrol Division is recognized as the back bone of the department as they are on the front lines in our daily mission to keep the citizens, and visitors safe.

Major Anthony Callahan

Deputy Chief
Patrol Operations Division Commander
Ph: (804) 412-0607

Special Operations Division

The Special Operations Division contains multiple functions within the department to include Investigations, Support Services, Crime Prevention, Training, Recruiting and Public Information.

The Special Operations Division provides a variety of services to the citizens and business members in our community. Providing public information relating to incidents and crimes which occur as well as providing traffic alerts, department announcements and emergency information is paramount to our mission statement.

The Investigative Unit for the Ashland Police Department is responsible for the investigations of major crimes. The unit consists of three investigators. All assigned investigators are graduates of the Virginia Forensic Academy. The unit is responsible for maintaining relationships with surrounding jurisdictions and federal agencies. The unit also investigates complaints of prostitution and narcotic cases in addition to their daily case load

In addition to these services the Special Operations Division is responsible for recruiting, hiring and training new officers, civilians and volunteers to provide these quality services to our citizens.